1970: Brazil raise the roof

1970: Brazil raise the roof
After being hacked out of the 1966 tournament, Pelé announced he would never again play in a FIFA World Cup. Happily he changed his mind and FIFA, desperate to avoid a repetition of the extreme violence which had often marred the game over the previous decade, ordered referees to get tough for the 1970 finals in Mexico.

World Cup innovations
The tournament saw two new ideas - red and yellow cards were introduced and substitutes were allowed, a move which would help combat the draining effects of the heat and altitude in Mexico - problems that were exacerbated by noon kick-offs for the benefit of European television.

A global event
This time the World Cup really was a global event with Morocco the first African country to qualify since Egypt in 1934, and Israel emerging from the Asia-Oceania group. El Salvador also made a debut, although their qualification was overshadowed by a bloody war with Honduras after the teams had met.

Portugal flounder
In less dramatic circumstances in Europe, the major surprise was the non-qualification of Portugal, semi-finalists in 1966, as well as France, Spain and Hungary.

Tournament favourites
England, the holders, and West Germany, beaten finalists in 1966, were still forces to be reckoned with and an improving Italy were the new European champions. Once again, though, Brazil were the favourites and despite going 1-0 down in their first match against Czechoslovakia, they looked every inch champions in waiting as they bounced back to win 4-1. The match, though, is best remembered for Pelé's audacious attempted lob over the keeper from 50 metres.

Sensational save
Brazil's next game against England, was a classic, featuring probably the greatest save of all time when Gordon Banks kept out a header from Pelé. Banks, though, could do nothing to stop Jairzinho's winner after 60 minutes of a gripping encounter.

Müller strikes
Pelé scored twice as Brazil beat Romania 3-2 and the only other team to make the quarter-finals with a 100 per cent record was West Germany. Despite trailing Morocco 1-0 the Germans won 2-1 with goals from the veteran Uwe Seeler and newcomer Gerd Müller, who then scored successive hat-tricks in victories against Bulgaria (5-2) and Peru (3-1).

Controversial refereeing
The hosts, Mexico - benefiting from controversial refereeing decisions - reached the last eight for the first time. There they met Italy who had advanced on the back of a 1-0 win against Sweden and goalless draws against Uruguay and Israel. However, despite going behind after 13 minutes the Europeans, inspired by the substitute Gianni Rivera, won 4-1.

Inspirational Cubillas
Brazil faced Peru in their quarter-final. Nobody gave the Peruvians much of a chance but - inspired by Teófilo Cubillas, one of the stars of the tournament - they found the net twice. However, Brazil, irresistible going forward, won 4-2.

Forgettable encounter
If Uruguay's 1-0 win over the Soviet Union - courtesy of a goal right at the end of extra time by Victor Esparrago - was the most forgettable quarter-final then England's tussle with West Germany was the most memorable.

Banks laid low
A re-run of the 1966 final it was another classic. England impressively built up a 2-0 lead but after 69 minutes Franz Beckenbauer pulled one back with a speculative drive past Peter Bonetti, who had replaced Banks - a victim of food poisoning.

Close-range winner
With the English tiring, Germany equalised nine minutes from time when Seeler headed home. Nothing was going England's way as the match went into extra time. First a 'goal' by Geoff Hurst was disallowed then - with 12 minutes to go - Müller grabbed a close-range winner.

Late equaliser
The West Germans' semi-final against Italy was even more amazing. After Roberto Boninsegna had put Italy ahead in the eighth minute the Italians decided to defend in depth and the rest of the match saw them hold firm against a determined West German side. Finally, two minutes into injury time, the veteran Karl-Heinz Schnellinger made it 1-1.

Incredible period
Then all hell broke loose as extra time saw a further five goals. With Beckenbauer playing on with his arm in a sling after dislocating his shoulder the Germans struck first with Müller putting them ahead, only for Tarcisio Burgnich to equalise. Luigi Riva's shot put the Italians back in front but Müller's tenth goal of the tournament made it 3-3. Finally, one of the most sensational periods of play in World cup history was capped by a winner from Rivera.

Overwhelming favourites
The final, in Mexico City's Aztec Stadium on 21 June, saw Italy, winners in 1934 and 1938, take on Brazil, the 1958 and 1962 champions. Whoever won would keep the Jules Rimet trophy for good. Brazil - who had struggled in their 3-1 semi-final victory against Uruguay - were overwhelming favourites as the best attack in the world took on the best defence.

Irresistible Brazil
Pelé opened the scoring in the 18th minute and although Italy grabbed an equaliser through Boninsegna the Brazilians ran riot in the second half. The inspirational Gerson put them 2-1 up after 65 minutes, then five minutes later Jairzinho became the first man to score in every match in a World Cup.

Unbelievable goal
The fourth goal was one of the greatest ever. In a breathtaking move, brilliantly instigated by Clodoaldo in midfield, the ball went via Alberto Rivelino, Jairzinho and Pelé to be sweetly finished off by Carlos Alberto, galloping in from the right.

Farewell to Pelé
For Brazil it was a third World Cup, for Pelé the culmination of a brilliant career and for the watching world a superb finish to a tournament which had not seen a single red card. The beautiful game was back.